AN Olympic football war erupted last night.

England forced Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to make players available for a British team at London 2012.

Top stars like Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey can now be selected, after the FA and the British Olympic Association issued a joint ruling which has infuriated the Home Nations.

It will be the first time a GB men's team has competed at the Olympics since 1960 in Rome.

Wales and Scotland branded the decision a desperate attempt to sell more tickets.

A women's team will also take part for the first time.

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan fumed: "We are opposed to taking part in Team GB. We need to protect our identity."

It was agreed yesterday the English FA will pick and manage the teams and can select anyone they choose - provided the player wants to take part.

So Welsh stars like Bale and Ramsey, who have said they are keen to participate, now have the OK to compete without fear of a backlash from their own FA.

The confirmation comes just days before Olympic chiefs start trying on Friday to shift more than one million tickets for the football tournament, which has so far failed to ignite interest.

The Welsh, Northern Ireland and Scottish FAs fear for their future independence and ability to enter teams in events like the World Cup.

But they have been overruled by the FA, the recognised governing body within the IOC.

BOA chief executive Andy Hunt said: "Seeing Team GB take to the pitch in 2012 will be one of the defining moments of the London Olympic Games."

But Scotland's Regan responded: "I guess Andy Hunt is under pressure from the Organising Committee and the IOC to get tickets on sale for the football events."